THE END OF GRACE

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Although Grace is unlimited today, someday it will end. Have you ever wondered what happens when God’s grace runs out? That thought alone should stop us in our tracks. Right now, we’re living in a time where grace is freely given. But the Bible says there’s a time coming when that grace will end—and when it does, only judgment will remain.

Let’s talk about what that means and why it’s so important to respond to God’s grace while we still can.

In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant represented God’s mercy and presence among His people. It was more than just a sacred box—it symbolized forgiveness, protection, and grace. Just like the Ark was kept in the temple, we as believers are now God’s temple—His Spirit lives in us. But the presence of grace is not something we should take for granted.

In Revelation 15:6-7, it says:

“Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues… one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God.”

This is a serious turning point. These angels coming out of the temple symbolize that grace is no longer being offered. Once they come out, judgment begins. The time of grace is over.

Revelation 15:8 says:

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.”

In Scripture, a cloud often represents grace (see Exodus 40:34–36 and 1 Kings 8:10–11). But smoke stands for judgment (Exodus 19:18, Psalm 74:1). When the temple is filled with smoke, it means grace has ended, and no one can come before God for mercy anymore. That door is closed.

There’s coming a time when the Holy Spirit will no longer move on people’s hearts. That’s why we must respond to God’s invitation while we still have the chance. Right now, we are called to live in His freedom—not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom to serve and walk with Him.

The Lord Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:21:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

That means good works alone aren’t enough. Even if someone is preaching, healing, or doing miracles, it doesn’t mean they’re doing God’s will. Remember the story in Acts 19:13–16 where the sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons but were overpowered? They weren’t truly walking with God.

The grace of God comes through the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we are just doing things in our own strength. But when we’re led by the Spirit, we are walking in true grace.

The Lord Jesus said in John 14:26:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

And the Lord said in Ezekiel 36:27:

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”

It’s the Holy Spirit who helps us obey, grow, and stay on the right path.

This might sound harsh, but it’s actually beautiful. The Apostle Paul called himself a “prisoner of Christ” (Ephesians 3:1, Philemon 1:1). That means he was completely surrendered to the Lord Jesus—he didn’t live for himself anymore. He lived to follow God’s will.

And Jesus said in Matthew 10:19-20:

“Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

When we surrender to God like that, even our words are led by Him.

Yes, God uses pastors and ministers to guide us—but ultimately, it’s the Holy Spirit who teaches us. As it says in 1 John 2:27:

“You do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things… remain in Him.”

We need to make sure that everything we hear lines up with what the Spirit is saying. If something sounds off, the Holy Spirit inside you will give you a warning. That’s why our loyalty should be to the Lord Jesus, not to any person.

Even Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:3–7:

“One says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos’… What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants… neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God.”

Ministers are important, yes—but they are not the focus. Christ is. The goal is for us to follow Jesus alone.

God’s grace is a gift—but it won’t be offered forever. A day is coming when that door will close, and only judgment will remain. That’s why it’s so important to listen to God now. Respond to His grace while it’s still available.